Our strategic growth including evolving partnership for 2026

Kawartha Community Foundation evolves partnership with Launch Kawartha

Building stronger financial and administration expertise to build efficiency, strengthen banking, reporting and other controls.

The Kawartha Community Foundation is entering a significant new phase of growth in 2026, marked by expanded partnerships, strengthened internal capacity, and major investments in community data and research.

Building on several years of momentum, the Foundation’s 2026 strategy focuses on scaling its operations to better serve the long-term wellbeing of Kawartha Lakes. Key priorities include expanding community-based research, modernizing and digitizing core systems, deepening its role in grants administration, exploring shared service models, and strengthening fundraising capacity to ensure sustainability.

A central initiative in 2026 will be the public launch of the Foundation’s completed Vital Signs research on February 10, 2026. This project represents one of the most ambitious community data efforts undertaken locally and is designed to democratize access to data, support evidence-informed decision-making, and strengthen collaboration across sectors.

As part of this growth, the Foundation is evolving its partnership with Launch Kawartha to include shared services and financial administration. Launch Kawartha has a long-standing legacy of providing financing solutions tailored to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region. Through this partnership, the Foundation will leverage Launch Kawartha’s financial and administrative expertise to improve efficiency, strengthen banking, reporting, and internal controls, and reduce operational risk in an environment of increasing cyber and financial security threats. This partnership supports stronger, more resilient financial practices and represents a stronger partnership with Launch Kawartha.

The Foundation has also strengthened its internal capacity by retaining Carissa Ferguson as Operations and Engagement Manager. Initially hired to administer the first phase of the Social Sustainability Fund, Ferguson is now a permanent member of the team and will play a key role in expanding grant administration, donor engagement, and community impact.

“These initiatives reflect a thoughtful and intentional approach to growth,” said Mark Knoester, Chair of the Board of Directors. “By investing in partnerships, people, and data, the Foundation is building the capacity needed to support a resilient and thriving Kawartha Lakes.”